Seminar question

I opened my fitness studio about 2 months ago. I am planning a nutrition seminar next month and trying to figure out how much to charge, or not. I want it to be helpful for all existing clients but also encouraging them to bring friends, family members etc. to try and promote business. would it be better to do this complimentary or charge a small fee($10 or so)?? thx

Answers (2)

The best way for you to figure out what to do is to ask yourself what you have in mind for your end goal. Are you interested in earning additional revenue from doing these seminars or just use it to gain more exposure for your fitness studio? It’s always a tough challenge to find the best suitable solution: some may say to not charge to draw the largest crowd, others say that anything of value should never be 100% free.

Here are some ideas:

1) You could have a series of nutrition seminars. Offer the first seminar for free (which would provide an overview and still provide some sort of value to the client/potential client) and then present an offer during that seminar for those interested in more details and specifics; you could have this offer made public upfront so people don't feel they came to your first seminar for a bait and switch sales pitch.

2) Charge $50 (or something of similar/substantial value) for the seminar but then advertise with a revenue sharing company (such as city deals, Groupon) to sell it at a significantly reduced amount like 80% off or something to that affect.

3) Charge $50 to the general public and a significantly reduced fee (or free) to members of your fitness studio or personal training clients.

4) Charge the reduced fee to existing clients, but if they bring a friend or family member they both get in free.

5) Offer the nutrition seminar as a stand alone service for a fee or for free as part of a personal/group training package.

You could combine any or all of these ideas to what works best for you.

If it was me I would charge a fee but be creative about doing so. From my experience those that are willing to pay $XX for an intro nutrition seminar are more likely to pay $500 for a 8 week boot camp or training sessions; so keep in mind not only the quantity of people you draw to your nutrition seminar but the quality leads and actual clients you gain from offering such seminars.

Jonathan Glick has many great ideas for you; I agree that free is not always the best way to go depending on your goal.
I would charge a small fee like $10/person or decide how much I want to earn and divide that among the participants. You can also have an early registration fee and door fee.
Instead of offering free entry, I would offer discounted entrance, that the registrant and guest each pay half.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit